TGD B 2006 – 1.5.6 – Windows for Escape or Rescue

1.5.6 Windows may provide an alternative means of escape or may be used for rescue purposes in dwelling houses of limited height. As an alternative, a door which gives direct access to a balcony or roof, which is suitable for rescue by ladder or for escape may be used. Where provision is made in this subsection for windows for these purposes (see paragraphs 1.5.2, 1.5.3, 1.5.7.6 and 1.5.8.2), such windows should comply with the following: (a) The window should have an openable section which can provide an unobstructed clear open area of at least 0.33 m2 with a minimum width and height of 450 mm (the route through the window may be at an angle rather than straight through). The opening section should be capable of remaining in the position which provides this minimum clear open area. (b) The bottom of the window opening should be not more than 1100 mm and not less than 800 mm (600 mm in the case of a rooflight) above the floor, immediately inside or beneath the window or rooflight. As an exception to the general guidance in TGD K (Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards) that guarding be provided for any window, the cill of which is less than 800 mm in height above floor level, guarding should not be provided to a rooflight opening provided in compliance with this paragraph. (c) In the case of a dormer window or rooflight, the distance from the eaves to the bottom of the opening section of the rooflight, or, where the window is vertical, the vertical plane of the window, should not exceed 1.7 m measured along the slope of the roof. (d) The area beneath the window externally should be such as to make escape or rescue practicable. For example, (i) where there is a clear drop from a window in an upper storey or attic conversion, the ground beneath the window should be suitable for supporting a ladder safely and be accessible for rescue by the fire services or others. (ii) Where there is a roof, balcony or canopy below a window, it should be structurally adequate to support those using the window for escape or rescue. (e) The opening section of the window should be secured by means of fastenings which are readily openable from the inside and should be fitted with safety restrictors. Safety restrictors can be either an integral part of the window operating gear or separate items of hardware which can be fitted to a window at the time of manufacture or at installation. Restrictors should operate so that they limit the initial movement of an opening section to not more than 100 mm. Lockable handles or restrictors, which can only be released by removable keys or other tools, should not be fitted to window opening sections

C:BCARTGDTGD bTGD%20B%202006TGD%20B%202006%20SECTION%20B1%201.5.6.pdf